COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) -- Cold temperatures can take a toll on your car, but with the proper maintenance you can avioid expensive problems.
Mechanic Bryan Bouknight who works at Complete Car Care in Columbia, says people should get their car checked during an oil change every 3000 miles or 3 months.
"The most important thing is coolant strength, and check your belts and hoses, you do those three things on a cold cold day and your battery, you're not gonna have a problem," said Bouknight.
It's important to have these necessities checked to avoid problems leading to expensive repairs.
Bouknight says one of the most expensive and avoidable problems is if a head gasket in your car cracks, which could cost you more than 1,500 dollars.
When temperatures get really cold you should start your car and let it run 2 to 5 minutes before you take it anywhere, to get the fluids circulating.
Also if there's snow or ice make sure you scrape your windshield first before turining on your wiper blades, or else you will damage your wiper blade motor.
This was a constant problem Bouknight saw with people and their cars during last year's big snow in Columbia.
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